Physician Assistant - Nephrology
BASIC FUNCTION AND RESPONSIBILITY
Provide clinical evaluation and ongoing medical follow-up for patients with chronic renal failure under the supervision of the Internal Medicine Nephrology Physician primarily in the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic and Center and Satellite Hemodialysis Unit sites. Services will include participating in the outpatient services by assisting in the management of pre-ESRD patients and other renal diagnoses, supporting patients receiving chronic renal dialysis, and working with surgeons and interventional radiologists for vascular access. Services will also include participating in the care of ESRD patients undergoing Hemodialysis as part of the UI Healthcare System. This will be a full-time outpatient position but will require at least one year of training on the inpatient ESRD service to clinically orient and prepare for the role in MSC.
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Function independently and/or collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team to plan, deliver, and evaluate health care for renal patients.
Provide clinical services and continuity of renal care in the Nephrology Outpatient Clinic.
Make rounds on a regularly scheduled basis for dialysis outpatients, including regular travel to the satellite hemodialysis units. This includes hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients at our home dialysis unit. Address health problems of outpatients, write prescriptions, participates in regular patient reviews, and patient care conferences.
Write initial dialysis orders, alter existing dialysis orders per patient labs, or as medically necessary. Assess, examine, and write dialysis orders for transient dialysis patients.
Practice preventive medicine, establish and follow guidelines which are age appropriate for routine health maintenance for patients on chronic dialysis.
Order appropriate lab and diagnostic tests, review monthly lab tests and medications, interpret results and recommend or consult with primary nephrologist and other members of the health care team (dietitian, pharmacist, social worker, etc.) to make appropriate changes in dialysis prescription, medications, or diet.
Handle telephone calls from dialysis outpatients and care providers concerning changes in medical condition, medication adjustment, and prescription renewals. Communicate with patients, primary physician and nephrologist as needed regarding changes in medical status and treatment plan.
Collaborate with nephrologist and pre-ESRD advanced practice nurse in management of pre- ESRD patients. Provide guidance as to choice of dialysis modality and pre-dialysis education of patients/families.
Discuss psychological-adjustment issues, code status and end of life issues with patients/families and recommends or consult with nephrologist, psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker and others as appropriate.
Work directly with surgeons and interventional radiologists for vascular access issues.
Participate in transition of chronic dialysis patients from inpatient to outpatient status, and vice-versa.
Perform annual and other history and physical examinations on ESRD outpatients, home dialysis patients, and pre-ESRD patients, primarily in Satellite Unit sites and/or in UI Health Care.
Duties above, as performed, will be appropriately documented.
Fully utilizes UI Healthcare computer entry and documentation systems.
Coordinate and facilitate patient care between multiple disciplines and allied health professionals, including home health agencies, referring physicians, nursing homes, and other community support services. Facilitates continuity of care.
Hours may vary outside of the usual time frame (7 or 8 – 4 or 5) due to dialysis units’ hours of operation.
Consultation:
Serve in a consultative and resource capacity by providing expert knowledge in hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home dialysis.
Serve in a resource capacity to physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals in UI Health Care, hospitals with Satellite Units, and the community as needed.
Education:
Participate in the education of ESRD and pre-ESRD patients/families. Evaluate patient learning needs and refers to social service, renal dietitian, transplant coordinator, psychologist, nursing staff, etc., as needed.
Provide education and serve as a resource for nursing staff and health care providers as needed.
Research/Continuous Quality Improvement:
Participate in development of divisional and departmental continuous quality improvement programs focusing on optimal patient care and improved renal patient outcomes.
Generate research questions regarding health care for particular patient populations.
Participate in clinical research projects.
Provide leadership to incorporate research findings into practice.
Establish and maintain standards of collaborative interaction among peers and employees that is characterized by respect, honesty and service; assures that all unit members are held to similar standards and ethics.
Inspire and motivate others to high performance by exercising strong stewardship of University resources, setting expectations, measuring success through individual performance evaluations, and driving organizational results.
Identify opportunities for and create development plans that encourage employees to attend to the growth of their personal and professional capacity; engages self and staff in collective reflection of the University’s greater role in society.
Follow general policies and procedures in accordance with the regulations of the University of Iowa, College of Medicine and the Department of Internal Medicine.
Perform other duties as assigned.
The department intends to hire for one position as either an ARNP, requisition 25006142 or PA, requisition 25006143, based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please apply to the specific position for which you which to be considered or both.
Required Qualifications:
Must comply with registration and licensure requirements as specified by the Iowa Board of Physician Assistant Examiners which include graduation from an accredited PA educational program and/or certification by the NCCPA.
Desired Qualifications:
Previous experience with the evaluation and treatment of renal disease and renal dialysis and in the care of home dialysis patients is desired.
Position and Application Details
In order to be considered for an interview, applicants must upload the following documents and mark them as a “Relevant File” to the submission:
- Resume
- Cover Letter
Job openings are posted for a minimum of 7 calendar days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after the original posting period has ended.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
For additional questions, please contact michaela-davis-1@uiowa.edu.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
